Best Defensive Backs In The CSRA

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You want free safeties? The CSRA's got them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Strong safeties? Same deal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Corner? Yep, those, too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The western pocket of the state is in the midst of a nice run of defensive backs who love making opposing quarterbacks think twice before making the throw. And some of the seven players listed below are also top-notch run stoppers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Remember these names. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DeAntray McCorkle</strong> Silver Bluff</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bulldogs' starting free safety had an impressive sophomore season last fall, putting up 44 total tackles, nine tackles for loss and a couple of interceptions. He's got range to spare and is going to be playing even truer to position this season after some additions on that side of the ball. McCorkle is one of those players who probably won't snag a lot of attention, but his impact on this team could be a difference maker from a pretty good defense to a great one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='617663' first='Kaleb' last='Simpkins']</strong> Strom Thurmond</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Simpkins (pictured) started every game as a freshman last year, recording 29 tackles, a tackle for loss, a fumble recovery, an interception and three pass break ups. The 6-foot, 170-pound corner back is getting some decent looks already. The younger brother of starting defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='589020' first='Darius' last='Simpkins'], Kaleb is a lockdown corner who is getting tested against some of the best receivers in the state every day in practice. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1013042' first='Kentrell' last='Brown']</strong> Wagener-Salley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As Brown continues to grow physically, he's matching it with his ability to perform as a top-end safety, as well. Last year, he put up 67 tackles, three tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and an interception. Brown still has two years to perfect his craft at this level, but with the ferocity of a linebacker and a run-stopping ability on top of it, he makes a ton of plays.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='997299' first='Trey' last='Hinton']</strong> Denmark-Olar</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6-foot, 165-pound cornerback was so good at his position that by year's end he was - statistically, at least - contributing more as a tackler than as a pass defender. In reality, his six interceptions were among the statewide leaderboard and teams knew better than to test him. After that tremendous season, he transferred to Denmark-Olar. And the only thing that will stop him from another strong defensive season is a full-blown conversion to offense after his early looks at quarterback.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='816740' first='Marcus' last='Cann']</strong> Bamberg-Ehrhardt</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eventually, Cann might settled into one role for Corey Crosby's secondary and stick with it. For the time being, the Class of 2026 standout is probably going to keep moving from position to position as needed. Last season, while playing both corner and safety, he compiled 25 tackles and a pair of interceptions. He's got plenty of help back there, as all-state Swiss Army knife [player_tooltip player_id='998689' first='Isaiah' last='Johnson'] will also be a huge contributor. However, this could be Cann's breakout season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='605527' first='Jaquel' last='Holman']</strong> Blackville-Hilda</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The recent transfer from South Aiken proved at the Class 4A level that he could have monster games. The safety had had 10 tackles against Silver Bluff, 14 against Gilbert and 13 against Greenwood in the first round of the playoffs. He also forced a fumble (and had five tackles and a tackle for loss) against River Bluff. Holman should be a nice addition to a team that struggled to a 2-8 record and finds itself looking at another schedule that will include dogfight after dogfight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='141041' first='Jadyn' last='Simpkins']</strong> Midland Valley&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Simpkins has it in him to be one of the best cover corners in all of Class 4A this year. The only thing preventing him from being on the big stage is that his his 16 pass break-ups maybe aren't as sexy as the interception category. Still, when Earl Chaptman has one defender in space against a top receiver, it's Simpkins whose number is called. The 5-foot-10, 155-pound corner can start and stop his excellent speed when he needs to. Try him at your own risk.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->